In the gymnasium of Lo Barnechea, one of the richest municipalities in Santiago, a group of Cuban athletes who requested refuge from Chilean immigration authorities after participating in the Pan American Games trained on Friday
Three male athletes have been in Chile for months after defecting from the Cuban delegation in a previous tournament. Six women from the hockey team, plus one male athlete, have now joined his request for asylum.
The athletes' lawyer, Mijail Bonito, explained that the ten athletes have received a temporary residence document for eight months, which can be renewed until the immigration process they are going through is resolved.
The athletes' request for asylum has become a topic of debate between the government of Gabriel Boric, of the Communist Party, and the opposition that demands that the athletes be granted refuge.
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